Aftermarket hydraulic cylinders vs OEM for L285

[Squawker Ranch]

My L285 needs new hydraulic cylinders due to pitting of the piston shaft. This tractor spend a lot of time outside in the elements. Are there aftermarket options? If so, who is a good source?

Thanks

Tim
Squawker Ranch
Topanga CA

 

[Squawker Ranch]

I should have included that the loader is a model 700

 

[GreensvilleJay]

if pitting isn't too bad, 'hone' with 1000g sandpaper and oil.
if possible, at end of the day...retract picton into cylinder, spray with the thick 'RustCheck'.
I got an extra 7 years out of mine doing this.

 

[Henro]

Who determined the cylinders are not repairable?

If it was someone who does cylinder repair as a profession, then obviously new cylinders are called for. Be prepared for sticker shock if you buy replacements from Kubota!

Just asking before suggesting you get a professional opinion on rebuild possibilities, if you have not already.

Sometimes people get lucky finding replacement cylinders at the surpluscenter.

Hydraulic Cylinders | Hydraulics | www.surpluscenter.com

Hydraulic Cylinders,Double Acting Hydraulic Cylinders,Single Acting Hydraulic Cylinders,Double Rod , Tandem Hydraulic Cylinders,Rephasing Hydraulic

www.surpluscenter.com

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

I use these guys for Loader Cylinders if surplus center doesn't have them.

Hydraulic Cylinders from Bailey Hydraulics. Featuring Industry-leading Chief and Maxim

Find the hydraulic cylinder you need to power your mobile application. An industry leader in hydraulics we feature Chief, Maxim and Prince. Explore now!

www.baileyhydraulics.com

 

[Squawker Ranch]

Ok, sounds like best next step is determine if its repairable. I figure it needs a rebuild at minimum, but am concerned about the amount of pitting. Next challenge is to find a local shop

 

[Orange L285]

Ok, sounds like best next step is determine if its repairable. I figure it needs a rebuild at minimum, but am concerned about the amount of pitting. Next challenge is to find a local shop

Not familiar with the 700 loader but I just rebuilt my bucket cylinders (1200 FEL) and it was VERY EASY to do. This is something you can do; no special tools needed just a little patience and knowledge. What are the cylinder part numbers?
Good luck and FYI a seal kit is $35ish so might be worth a try before you spend several hundred for replacements.

 

[Henro]

Not familiar with the 700 loader but I just rebuilt my bucket cylinders (1200 FEL) and it was VERY EASY to do. This is something you can do; no special tools needed just a little patience and knowledge. What are the cylinder part numbers?
Good luck and FYI a seal kit is $35ish so might be worth a try before you spend several hundred for replacements.

Certainly true if you can do the rebuild yourself, that is the cheapest option.

In my case, for a LA401 loader, the seal kit from Kubota for the curl cylinders was something like $60 each, and the repair by a hydraulic shop was $100 each. AND replacement cylinders from Kubota were over $600 each! I did not research after-market cylinders, or possible replacement cylinders from surplus center or other sources.

Just an additional data point...

 

[Orange L285]

Certainly true if you can do the rebuild yourself, that is the cheapest option.

In my case, for a LA401 loader, the seal kit from Kubota for the curl cylinders was something like $60 each, and the repair by a hydraulic shop was $100 each. AND replacement cylinders from Kubota were over $600 each! I did not research after-market cylinders, or possible replacement cylinders from surplus center or other sources.

Just an additional data point...

WOW Your local shop charged (or wanted to) $100 to rebuild? DANG I would have had mine done for that price!! The shop the Kubota dealer refered me to wanted $500 (in Fort Worth) so I did it myself and will again if needed. Crazy I usually default to the dealer for parts and service outside my "knowledge and ability" but they have priced themselves out of my market so I learn and develope new found talents...

 

[Henro]

WOW Your local shop charged (or wanted to) $100 to rebuild? DANG I would have had mine done for that price!! The shop the Kubota dealer refered me to wanted $500 (in Fort Worth) so I did it myself and will again if needed. Crazy I usually default to the dealer for parts and service outside my "knowledge and ability" but they have priced themselves out of my market so I learn and develop new found talents...

That is what I figured too. Out of pocket for me was about $40 per cylinder. AND all I had to do was drop them off and pick up later. Granted, it took about a week or so to get them back, as there was one seal they had to back order. But that was not a big deal for me...Would do it again without question. Especially since I do not have a good place to do the rebuild myself. Would like to though, as a learning experience.

But getting older, there are some things I do not really need to learn, and some things I need to relearn! But they are not tractor related...

As they say, the memory is the second thing to go!

Edit: I meant $40 over what it would have cost me to buy the seal kit from Kubota...

 

[ddiaz396@aol.com]

WOW Your local shop charged (or wanted to) $100 to rebuild? DANG I would have had mine done for that price!! The shop the Kubota dealer refered me to wanted $500 (in Fort Worth) so I did it myself and will again if needed. Crazy I usually default to the dealer for parts and service outside my "knowledge and ability" but they have priced themselves out of my market so I learn and develope new found talents...

How do you remove the cylinder cap to replace the seals? I want to do it myself but I can't remove the cap!! I have an L2250.

 

[Orange L285]

How do you remove the cylinder cap to replace the seals? I want to do it myself but I can't remove the cap!! I have an L2250.

Please post a picture of your cylinders for a better idea of what you are working on. I'm not sure what FEL you have so only way is to see it.

The 1200 FEL has a "lock wire" that holds the end cap on. It was very easy to remove.

 

[Orange L285]

That is what I figured too. Out of pocket for me was about $40 per cylinder. AND all I had to do was drop them off and pick up later. Granted, it took about a week or so to get them back, as there was one seal they had to back order. But that was not a big deal for me...Would do it again without question. Especially since I do not have a good place to do the rebuild myself. Would like to though, as a learning experience.

But getting older, there are some things I do not really need to learn, and some things I need to relearn! But they are not tractor related...

As they say, the memory is the second thing to go!

Edit: I meant $40 over what it would have cost me to buy the seal kit from Kubota...

You got a great deal for $40 (over)!!! And got some extra time to "remember or relearn"... Youtube might be able to help too